Memorial Day prep, events announced

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539 will be distributing red buddy poppies at Walmart and Homeland on May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Buddy Poppy was designed to honor all of the soldiers in all of the wars, and it is the National flower of the National Memorial Day. All donations made to the VFW through red buddy poppy drive helps veterans in so many ways. The VFW helps veterans get their VA benefits, distributes food at the Feed the Vets program every 90 days, maintains all of the flags on Main Street, and they also sponsor the annual District 7 VFW Loyalty Days Family Freedom Festival to promote the American Spirit and community service.

On May 26, at 9 a.m., the VFW members will distribute poppy boards to local area businesses along with Mayor Dickey’s proclamation to inform all of the citizens of the honorable cause for the Buddy Poppy program.

The VFW also places bronze military tombstone foot markers on the graves of soldiers; place flags on all military veterans’ graves at several cemeteries in Henryetta as well as the surrounding area cemeteries.

This year, the VFW and volunteers will place flags in advance of Memorial Day on May 27, at 10 a.m.

Volunteers to help put flags on graves is greatly appreciated.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, the VFW will have a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. at the West Lawn Cemetery on West Main Street in Henryetta.

“The true character of America is measured by her communities and the people who work to improve them,” VFW Post 539 Veteran Service Officer Tricia Bear said. “Whether at a national level or in their own backyards, our VFW members dedicate millions of hours each year working to spread patriotism, lobby for veterans benefits, and honor our nation’s heroes.”

If you have any questions, please call Tricia Bear at 479414-0952.